State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.

The deadline is fast approaching to apply for flood recovery assistance from the federal government. If you want to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance for damages from June flooding, the deadline is September 15, 2008.

You can apply online here or call FEMA's toll free line at (800) 621-FEMA.

Just under 38,500 Wisconsin registrants have applied for help from FEMA. The agency has provided over $48 million to Wisconsin residents and households and about $29 million in loans to small businesses has also been approved.

Two years ago, I wrote a column predicting “an outrageous explosion of gambling, the likes of which Wisconsin has never seen. Tourism brochures can start describing the Badger State as the Las Vegas of the Midwest.”

I specifically pointed to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee and how its massive expansion flies in the face of voters and the Wisconsin Constitution.

This Friday, August 29, I will be one of the VIP’s leading the Women’s Day Ride that featured over 2,000 female bikers at the 100th anniversary in 2003. The Women’s Day Ride leaves Greenfield High School at 60th and Layton at 3:30 p.m. sharp on Friday. The parade route will be Layton Avenue to 794 over the Hoan Bridge to the lakefront.

Over the next several days, thousands of motorcyclists will be in our area celebrating the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. Everyone wants the most enjoyable festivities, and even if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you can do your part to make the celebration safe. Here are tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for automobile and truck drivers to be aware of around motorcyclists:

There are far fewer motorcycles on the road than cars and trucks. Motorists often don’t recognize motorcycles. Look for them, especially when checking traffic at intersections.

Judging a motorcycle’s speed and how close it is can be difficult because of the motorcycle’s size. It is always best when checking traffic to assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

The small size can make it appear that a motorcycle is moving faster than it really is. Do not assume all motorcyclists are speed merchants.

Motorcycles can hide in a motorist’s blind spot or be blocked by objects or backgrounds like bushes, fences, and bridges. Thoroughly check traffic when changing lanes or turning at intersections.

At times, motorcyclists will slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle. When they do, their brake lights are not activated. Motorists need to apply more following distance around motorcyclists.

Be aware that turn signals on a motorcycle are generally not self-canceling. Motorcyclists at times forget to turn their signals off after making a turn or lane change.

Motorcyclists will change position in a lane for various reasons, including the ability to seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and the wind. They are not adjusting their lane position to show off, be reckless, or share their lane with you.

Despite the great maneuverability of a motorcycle, don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.